Thanks for sharing your story with us Celine Rosalie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I was born in Cologne, Germany. I am half-Italian and partly Czech. When people ask me where I’m from, I usually tell them that I am a European smoothie. I grew up mainly in Cologne and Prague, watching my mom perform on stage since I was very young. A lot of my inspirations and my dreams originated in a little back corner of my mom’s theater watching the artists on stage. I used to tell my mama when I would watch her take her makeup off in the dressing rooms that I will be on stage one day too. I started ballet, dance, and music really early, but my mom told me back then that I could never be a prima ballerina because I don’t have the body for it. So my first little dream popped right then and there when I was just four years old, but I started gymnastics, and then a whole new chapter started. I went to a Catholic School, spent 5 hours a day doing gymnastics, sang, and played the piano while getting all my schoolwork done. I was a very disciplined child and didn’t have a lot of time to play outside, because the gym was my playground. I was working towards my dreams, and my mama helped me understand that very soon. After being a very successful gymnast, I had an accident resulting in a bad back injury, so I had to stop immediately, although that was the last thing I wanted to do. So my whole life took a turn, and I started to focus solely on Acting. I was taking Musical Theatre classes to keep my skills sharp, and I helped my mom in her dance school. After Graduation, I moved to the UK to attend the Oxford School of Drama, which gave me an amazing insight of what it really means to be an actor and to study the craft. I read more books than ever before, found my love for Shakespeare, and I also found the coolest British bands that I still listen to today. Anyway, when I was finished with my studies at Oxford, I moved to London to keep auditioning for schools and Acting gigs. Originally I didn’t want to leave the UK. I wanted to go to one of the highly acclaimed drama schools and work on the famous British stages. But I went to one audition in London for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in the USA, and I got accepted a few weeks later. So I packed my bags, went back home to my happy family just to tell them that my journey isn’t over. With the support of my family, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream. Coming to Los Angeles was different than I imagined, to be honest, a bit of a culture shock. But The Academy made me forget everything around me, I worked harder, and I had more fun than I ever had before. Every second at the Academy was well spent. Some lessons were harder than others. I had to learn that I have to protect my heart but that there are also some of the most fantastic people out there if you look hard enough. I found my own little family out here. Especially when I was accepted into the Academy’s Company, I can’t thank my family enough, because they supported, protected, and loved me every inch of the way. I finished the Company this year after performing in five fully produced theatre plays with the beautiful Company director Betty Karlen. We had our showcase which got me a great agent, which I was very happy, and I couldn’t be happier. The last play I was in, “Boeing Boeing”, was directed by Betty Karlen, and one of my absolute favorite things I have done at the school. That’s why Theresa Philomena, my cast-mate and I decided to produce this play. So that’s my debut as a producer, and I can only say thank god Theresa and me know how to work hard and have such supportive people by our side because it is a lot of work, but we love every minute of it. The play is part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and we are so honored to announce that we have our own run at the complex theatre in Hollywood. But circling back to your question I believe I got here with believing in fairytales, finding my own dream, and literally working more diligent than I ever have before and not forgetting to have some fun along the way and enjoy every second of the journey even when it takes you somewhere you never expected.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, there will always be some struggles, no matter what path you choose. In my case, yes, I had some challenges. Most of the times, it was myself. I stood in my own way at times, because I had to learn how to be confident in myself and in what I can do. I used to be very quiet and not outgoing at all, and I had to overcome that, which took years.
Also, another big challenge for me is being away from my family. I miss my mom, my dad, my stepdad, my granny, my dog, but knowing that they support me and that their proud of me certainly helps. I just hope I can give back everything that they gave me one day.
Apart from that, of course, this industry is one of the most challenging out there. But I learned how to deal with rejection and how to cope with failure. Every time a door is shut, I try to sneak through the window
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am an actor, a dancer, and I can sing. I am very passionate about everything I do. I bring diligence, heart, soul, a glimpse of crazy, and a lot of fun to everything I do. I was in the entertainment industry from a very young age, and I have learned a lot. I believe I have a really great skillset, from all my years of studying. I have a very good memory, which makes it easy to learn lines. Of course, I am always studying and still working on my final product. Even when I’m not working, I’m still training to keep my skills sharp.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
When I came to Los Angeles, I had a little bit of a culture shock. I expected things to be a bit different. I thought it would be much cleaner and well taken care of, which some parts are more than others. But I thoroughly enjoy the beach, especially Malibu. I miss nature a bit because I grew up around forests. I used to go on runs every morning in a forest. That was beautiful. I go to Runyon Canyon sometimes, which I really enjoy.
I like that LA has so many spots where Actors can get together and collaborate. LACMA is great fun, and I am always on the lookout for sweet little cafes. The farmers market is a great spot for fresh groceries and a fun evening out. I am here in LA for the art not necessarily the city, but I’m finding more and more things to love
